Dusky Grouse (Dendragapusobscurus)

Taxonomy

French:Tétras sombreGerman:DouglasiengebirgshuhnSpanish:Gallo oscuro

Other common names:
Blue Grouse (when lumped with D. fuliginosus)

Taxonomy:

Tetrao obscurus

Say

, 1823,

“Defile Creek”, Colorado, USA

.

Often lumped with D. fuliginosus, which has yellow, not red, exposed breast patch in display (3); distinct pale tailband (2); and differences in hooting song#R, involving usually five vs usually six syllables (“hoots”) given at both lower pitch (50–100 Hz vs 110–150 Hz) and lower volume (audible to 40 m vs loud and audible to 500 m) (at least 2); genetic data support the split, but also suggest present species has N and S populations that do not conform to current subspecific divisions#R; races sierrae and howardi of D. fuliginosus, sometimes placed in present species#R. Proposed race flemingi (S Yukon) usually included in richardsonii#R. Four subspecies recognized.